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Perfect Day at CocoCay is an award-winning private destination exclusively operated by Royal Caribbean for its guests in the Bahamas. It offers a curated mix of complimentary amenities and optional upgraded experiences across its resort-like setting.
I’ll actually be visiting CocoCay on my solo cruise later in 2026, so writing this blog was very much to educate myself!
Can Anyone Visit CocoCay?
No. You must be a guest of Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises to visit the private destination.
Where Is Perfect Day at CocoCay Located?
The island, also known as Little Stirrup Cay, is nestled within the Berry Islands, roughly 55 miles north of Nassau, Bahamas. It’s compact in size yet boasts massive appeal as a cruise stop.
What’s Included at Perfect Day at CocoCay?
Complimentary offerings include:
- Seven pristine powdery-sand beaches
- Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean
- Lounge chairs, umbrellas, towels, trams, and lockers
- Five food venues offering unlimited dining (e.g., tacos, wings, buffets)
- Chill kids’ zones like Captain Jill’s Galleon and Splashaway Bay.
Upgraded / paid experiences:
- Thrill Waterpark with Daredevil’s Peak (the Caribbean’s tallest water slide), wave pool, slides, and zip-line.
- Coco Beach Club – overwater cabanas, infinity pool, restaurant, beach access (all ages welcome).
- Hideaway Beach – adults-only enclave with private beach, heated pool, swim-up bars, cabanas, DJ, and more (18+ entry; 21+ for alcohol).
In short: complimentary essentials for most, premium spaces for the deluxe experience.
Perfect Day at CocoCay Tips
After reading many Reddit threads, YouTube videos, and TikToks, here are the most popular tips and tricks for visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay:
Get there Early
If you want the best start to your day, set that alarm and head off the ship as soon as CocoCay opens. Early arrivals snag great spots in Oasis Lagoon or on the beach before crowds build. Arriving before 10am gives you a better chance at shade and space.
Your Drink and WiFi Packages Works
Good news if you’ve already bought a drink package or WiFi:
- Your beverage package works at bars across the island.
- If you have the ship’s WiFi package, it’ll work on CocoCay too.
Just show your SeaPass like you would on board.
Free Food and Snacks
You’ll find plenty of complimentary places to eat. Chill Grill and Skipper’s Grill offer burgers, tacos, salads and more. Don’t miss the mozzarella sticks at the Snack Shack – they’re cult-favourite.
Use Island Transport
The island has free tram services from the pier to all major areas. Jump on to save energy and explore more easily.
Perfect Day at CocoCay vs Labadee
Labadee is a private destination on the northern coast of Haiti, exclusively leased and managed by Royal Caribbean Cruises for its cruise ship passengers.
I have a full blog on everything you need to know about Labadee!
| Feature | Perfect Day at CocoCay | Labadee (Haiti) |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Resort-style, highly structured & modern | More natural, rustic, landscape-rich |
| Activities | Waterparks, zip-lines, water slides, beach clubs | Nature trails, cultural experiences, zip-line |
| Food & Amenities | Wide variety, well-developed facilities | Simpler fare, modest facilities |
| Setting | Flat, sandy layout, heavily built up | Hilly terrain, more lush and scenic |
| Commercial feel | Feels like an extension of the ship | Less commercial, more atmospheric |
Highlights:
- CocoCay wins for modern thrills, luxury, dining choices and ease.
- Labadee shines as a more authentic, scenic, low-key beach day.
- As one Redditor put it: “Labadee has hills, Cococay is flat… Food is better on Cococay.”
Does Royal Caribbean Own CocoCay?
Royal Caribbean Group leases the island, they don’t own it outright. The lease took over from Admiral Cruises in 1988 and extends through 2050. In 2019, they invested $250 million in a massive upgrade.
CocoCay vs Other Cruise-Line Resorts
Royal Caribbean’s model emphasises self-controlled, resort-level experiences—tight consistency, easy logistics, and profit potential.
Compared to competitors like Carnival, Disney, and Norwegian (all of whom have private destinations too), CocoCay stands out for:
- Scale of amenities (largest pool, adult-exclusive zones, premium clubs)
- Variety of free vs premium experiences
- Royal Caribbean’s intention to fully own the onshore guest experience.
While it excels in convenience and variety, critics note it’s more of a “controlled resort” than a culturally immersive destination.
What’s Next for Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean is scaling up its private island portfolio:
- Perfect Day Mexico (opening Autumn 2027): A massive 200-acre development featuring the tallest waterslide in the Americas, world’s longest lazy river, seven neighbourhoods, 12 dining venues, 24 bars, and immersive cultural offerings like mariachi performances.
- They’re also launching Lelepa in Vanuatu – their first southern-hemisphere island, with nature trails and local experiences.
- Expansion supports new Icon-class ships and the broader “Ultimate Destination” strategy, aiming for seamless land-sea vacations tailored to every type of traveler.
